Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It is important for consumers to recognize that identity theft is not just a financial crime. This crime varies widely, and can include financial identity theft (checking and/or credit card fraud), criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and medical identity theft.

Identity theft is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers and uses them for their own personal gain. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, stolen mail, a data breach, computer virus, “phishing” scams, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business (dumpster diving).

We have instances reported to the senior center all the time. It is always our goal to keep people safe in their own homes. People think it could never happen to them until it does. Stay informed, stay safe. In addition, here are some other things that you should do to protect your privacy, which will help to reduce the risk of Identity Theft.

1. Buy a cross-cut type shredder. Shred all your important papers and especially pre-approved credit applications received in your name and other financial information that provides access to your private information. Don’t forget to shred your credit card receipts.

2. Be careful of “Dumpster Diving.” Make sure that you do not throw anything away that someone could use to become you. Anything with your identifiers must be shredded (cross-cut) before throwing away.

3. Get all of your checks delivered to your bank — not to your home address.

4. Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop them off at a U.S. Mailbox or the U.S. Post Office. Mail theft is common.

5. When you order new credit cards in the mail, or your previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure that you get the card within the appropriate time. If it is not received by a certain date, call the credit card grantor immediately and find out if the card was sent. Find out if a change of address was filed if you don’t receive the card or a billing statement.

6. Empty your wallet of all extra credit cards and social security numbers, etc. Do not carry any identifiers you do not need. Don’t carry your birth certificate, social security card, or passport, unless necessary.

7. Memorize social security numbers and passwords.

8. When a person calls you at home or at work, and you do not know this person, never give out any of your personal information. If they tell you they are a credit grantor of yours call them back at the number that you know is the true number, and ask for that party to discuss personal information. Provide only information that you believe is absolutely necessary.

Those are just a few tips. If you question if something could be a scam check it out before you give any personal information. As usual, You are always welcome at the Senior Center.

Upcoming events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; movie, “Pay it Forward,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; computer class, 2 p.m.; SilverSneakers 4:30 p.m. Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Jan. 16, three tables

1st Arnie Lang, 2nd Russ Vaale, 3rd John Allen, 4th Jaynard Johnson, 5th Betty Jorgenson

Tuesday “500”

Jan. 17, four tables

1st Helen Broitzman, 2nd Arnold Bergstrom, 3rd Arlys Spurlin, 4th Jerry Downing

Tuesday Afternoon Bridge

Jan. 17, 4.5 tables

1st Joyce Crowe, 1st Arnie Lang; 2nd Ron Peters, 2nd Gene Muchow; 3rd Dick Hansen, 3rd Larry Crowe; 4th Russ Vaale, 4th Mabel Vaale; 5th Lorraine Lippert, 5th Dave Solmonson

Friday Bridge

Jan. 20, two tables

1st Loretta Nelson, 2nd Judy Bungum, 3rd Jaynard Johnson, 4th Dave Ring, 5th John Allen

Pinochle

1st Jaynard Johnson, 1st Loretta Nelson

Friday Cribbage

No Results

Weekly “500”

Jan. 20, four tables

1st Eddie Hall, 2nd Arlys Spurlin, 3rd Betty Fisher, 4th Bernice Scholer

Weekly Cribbage

Jan. 11, three tables

1st Barb Dickman, 2nd John Allen, 3rd Jaynard Johnson

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Hawaiian chicken

Tuesday: Salisbury steak

Wednesday: New England boiled dinner. Alternate: Turkey breast

Thursday: Beef Roast

Friday: Cheese/ham strata or egg/sausage bake